Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-07-30
Letter from Hon. John $. Barbour.
ALEXANDRIA, Va, July %, 1887.

Esq, HungOIeuguc, a.:
Dear Sir,-Your very able and suggestive
letter of the 18th, relative to the political
situation in Virginia, and especially present
ing your views in regard to the question Of
the State debt, has been duly received and
read with much interest. am very much
obliged for the personal reference to myself.
and only wish that we're more competent
to measure up to the requirements ofthe oc.
casion.
l have given the subject of the State debt
good deal of thought, and, as at present
advised, do not see that the democratic
party of Virginia can afford to change the
position assumed in 1888 to abide by the
Riddleberger settlement. The people of
Virginia have approved OF this platform, as
annunciated in the creed of both parties. 1
do not think, therefore, it would be safe to
depart from this position.
The assistance of the Federal Government
to which you refer as the idea of Henry
A. Wise first, and afterwards presented in
general way by Mr. Blaine-is very well
worthy of consideration and might be intro
duced at our convention as supplementary
to the declaration to stand by the Riddle
berger settlement.
There was a resolution of this sort intro
duced and adopted in the House of Delegates
at the extra session of the Legislature just
before its adjournment, which you may
have noticed.
While Congress probably cannot be in
duced to commit the Federal Government
to pay directly the obligations of State, it
is believed that proposition TO appropriate
an amount of the public lands equivalent in
area to the territory which was taken from
| Virginia in the ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of the State
might be passed. At least strong equities
could be urged in its behalf and good case
presented to the national legislature. III
this can be accomplished land fund would
be realized which would fully pay our State
debt and probably leave us surplus for
educational purposes.
| do not SEQ that we are so helpless as re-
CARDS maintaining our position. If the peo-
pie will only have the patriotism to pay
their taxes in money and not in coupons
we will have but little further trouble. This
course on the part of the people had been
pretty we'll assured until the republicans IN
the cities and counties undertook the pay
ment in coupons and excited the cupidity OF
some of our democratic friends to do the
same thing OF course their object was to
make party capital.
The republicans, except in few locall-
ties, represent very little property OF the
State, and their payment of taxes in cou-
pons will not amount to much if the demo-
Gratis will only stand firm. Until that OBJ
iect can be effected do not see what is left
except to bring public opinion to bear upon
those who are seeking to take advantage OF
the rest of the community in the payment Of
taxes. Certainly few moneyed men in the
cities ought not to be- allowed to adopt any
line of policy which will increase taxation
in the State and usurp the power which the
regular accredited representatives OF the
people in the Legislature would not dare
exercise.
But, my dear sir, this debt question, i'm
portant as it s, ought not to be everything
in Virginia. Is your section of the State
willing to see the Malone dynasty restored
to power, with all the evils in t5 train
which past experience has exhibited? DO
the democrats of Accomack wish to see the
congressional districts reappo:tioned in the
interest of the republican party, the judi.
cisl circuits rearranged, a new lot of circuit
and county judges appointed, the school
boards vacated and filled with party hack
and the whole machinery OF our elections,
State and Federal, controlled by such agen-
cies in the hands of our political adverse
ries ?
have too much confidence in the Vir-
GINA people to expect any such result
/ OF course have written you the above
purely as personal letter and in reply TO
your favor. shall be happy to hear from
you at any time, and remain very respect.
fully yours, JOHN S. BARBOUR.
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